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Westside story
You have heard it either way, Bollywood actors coming to Punjabi cinema, and the jatts and jattis going to Bollywood for prestigious projects.
Now, this one might make you get up from your comfortable couch, and shout aloud-you must be kidding! So, you've heard you will find a Punjabi on any part of the planet.
Now, you will see them in Hollywood films too. Don't be surprised if you find our desi jatt fighting with Tom Cruise.
Punjabi actors moving to Hollywood, through the agents, doing one odd or a bigger role, is the new thing, something that you would like to know.
Value addition: Aman Dhaliwal
The project: An untitled film with James Marlow. There is another untitled for which I will start shooting in a month. Perk up: I don't say that Punjabi films are not good, Hollywood films offer value for work. I agree I will not be an overnight star, it might take a lifetime, but at least I get to work in a professional manner. No goodbye: I am open to good roles, if that is in a Punjabi film and why not. I have realised as an actor I cannot be stuck to one place.
Shhhhh…here he comes: Gavie Chahal
The project: A 20-minute film by a Mathew Jordan. I have shot for this film, which is about how an ordinary man turns into a psycho trying to answer so many questions about his life. I play the lead character called Shhhhh (silence). Perk up: Hollywood is a totally professional arena, a director is always sure of what he wants and how. Secondly, they finish the shoot in the given time that they have set. You gain recognition in the international circuit if the film is marketed well; it is sent to god knows how many film festivals. Not to miss, the much appreciated pay package is also a plus. No goodbye: I am working in one or two Hollywood projects, but I am always keen on doing a decent Punjabi, Hindi or even Marathi film.
Once in a life time: Satinder Sartaj
The project: I star in Brillstein Entertainment Partners' production, The Black Prince. Jai Khanna is co-producing the film and would be directed by Los Angeles-based Indian filmmaker Kavi Raz. Perk up: A project like this has no perks but it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Since there are big names involved in this, it will definitely be taken care of. No goodbye: This is a new beginning there is no goodbye.
Boyle-ing point: Diljot
Even before her first Punjabi film is out, Diljot has already bagged a role in Danny Boyles's next untitled project. The project: It is Danny Boyle's next. I can't reveal the role except that it isn't big but at the same time not insignificant. Perk up: Hollywood is the most professional place, and if it is a Danny Boyle film, you can imagine how far it will go. No goodbye: If this film fares well for me, I might give a serious thought of making it out there.
jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Frames that captivate
Twenty six photographers, seventy two frames — the ongoing FOTO 2014 Members Group Exhibition takes you around the world. Religious shrines, elements of nature; even everyday mundane objects get a new lease of life as this group puts up their 25th show, which is an annual feature.
The youngest in the team, Abhay Iqbal Singh, a school student, brings the shots from the a photo workshop in Paris; the oldest Anil Kumar Arora captures sand, water, mountains, snow and the sky in one shot. Yes, there is urban landscape; Big Ben, Le Louvre, Petronas Towers, and so is nature from Leh Ladakh, Varanasi and our very own City Beautiful. Professional photographers bring the exotic out of the ordinary. S Chandan's Silence has men, a picture of poise and tranquillity. Clicked at very high ISO, the frames have a noise (texture), which makes them stand out. Vicky Gharu's Spiral Vision catches beauty where we miss it. Play of light and shadow defines an ordinary pipe on the road; there is a top shot of a school staircase, the monochrome and colours giving it a vibrant feel. The frames here are just not ordinary photographs, they have been colour corrected but also printed in a way to highlight its features. Kulbhushan Kanwar's visuals of butterflies that he calls Flying Flowers makes one feel the texture of the wings. It's the calibrated inkjet printers bringing that effect. Droplets of water find a new lease of life in Dinesh Verma's frame; Gurpreet Singh's profession engineering finds way into his passion…his frames are clear lines, buildings and ladders! In this motley group, there are two women too. Avi Kiran Sidhu Chharhaan brings the rural element alive while Palm Garden, Chandigarh, finds a way in Shirin Seth's photograph. There are portraits, religious shrines, festivals like Holi and also interesting aerial shots by award-winning photographer Vikram Joy. There are few frames that make the most of the digital advancement like those of Deep Bhatia. Says Navneet Saxena, chairman, Photographic Society of Chandigarh, "A photographer's job isn't just clicking but also what matters is how a photograph is presented and printed."
(On at the Punjab Kala Bhawan-16 till September 2014) mona@tribunemail.com
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Note worthy
A record; howsoever frivolous, significant, futile or functional, is commendable. And if it happens to be unique, it only gets interesting!
Even if it happens to be a record of currency notes with digits 786 in them! Narinder Pal Singh, a former Punjab State Co-operative Bank employee, developed a keen interest in collecting notes and coins, courtesy his job.
"A lot of people would come to us asking for certain types of notes. That's when I thought of collecting some notes myself." Rest is history and today he is the proud owner of 26, 246 notes with the number 786 in them. "Their total amount comes to almost ~14 lakh." Along with the unique collection came records. "I have held the Limca Book Of Records continuously since 2001. I am also in the India Book Of Records and lately they have started the Unique World Records," he proudly displays the certificates. The personal fixation with the number also extended onto other currency notes and coins. Again, they could be rare or just unique. "I have around 15 misprinted notes, where two notes of Rs 5 have the same number and they are not fake." Save for a few exhibitions where only a part of possessions have been displayed, there's never been a solo exhibition. "I keep all this money in the locker. I am open to exhibitions but provided somebody assures me on the security count." As for the coins, he adds, "I have 41 types of ~5 coins." That is just a beginning of the rare collection that also has some pieces as historical as 1911, from an era when coins would be cast in metal and were the size of a carrom striker.
— TNS
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Sonakshi’s weighty issues
Weight loss
When I was 'not so thin', they used to talk about my weight and now they're talking about my weight loss. I've started training with my instructor Abbas. Earlier, I used to be lazy about my workouts. I'd be shooting for three films at a time, I'd come back home tired and think, "Itna kaam kar liya, gym nahin jaana." I'm the kind of person who hates going to the gym. I just stopped being lazy. No matter how tired I am now, I come back and get on to the treadmill. Keeping the curves
My curves are still there. I don't want them to disappear. Earlier, my weight kept fluctuating. Now, I am consistent. I had lost 30 kg before this, so this is hardly an achievement. Yes, clothes look better on me now; I have many more options. Once you get the ball rolling, you can do it. When I began losing weight earlier, I didn't want to become an actor. I did it for my health. You don't have to be an actor to maintain yourself and look good. I like the way I'm looking. I've never been so tiny in my life. I am not used to it. Even earlier when I lost weight it took time for me to register that I am not a fat person anymore. Even now, when I see a piece of clothing like a trouser or top, I assume it won't fit me. But when I wear it, it's loose! Think thin
It's not important to think thin. No one will ever lose weight for the wrong reason. I can't starve myself. I am curvaceous. I cannot be skinny. It is important to think what you want to be. Right now, I'm happy with the way I am. I just wanted people to shut up. But that is not why I started working out, I did it for myself. I woke up one morning and thought let's not be lazy about it. When we do it for the right reason, the results show faster. After three weeks, my family told me I was looking thinner. My clothes became loose. People are using words like slim, sexy, slender for me. Can you imagine? It feels good. But no one should be ticked off for the way they look. Nobody is supposed to look a certain way. Weight comments
Luckily for me, my confidence has always been high. So, they never bothered me. I love food. I love to eat. I don't follow any extreme diet. My roles didn't require me to be skinny. Who else has done 12 films in three years? My weight wasn't an issue at all for me. The positives in me were so much more than the negatives. Upcoming movies
Tevar is a boy-meets-girl love story. Action Jackson and Holiday are the kind of films I love doing and watching on screen. I'm not apologetic about being a part of these entertainers. Prabhudheva sir told me he was signing me for Action Jackson for my comic timing. I put in the same effort for Lootera as I did for Rowdy Rathore. Lootera got me appreciation from the critics but not box-office, whereas in these kinds of films I get box-office numbers, but get bashed up by critics. So, it balances out.
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India’s answer to French cinema
Director Sai Kabir's upcoming film, Divine Lovers starring National Award winners Irrfan Khan and Kangana Ranaut, is one of the few projects from all over the world, which has been noticed and advised by Frank Priot, DGA Film France, the French Film Commission, which has been closely following Sai Kabir's work as a director for the past three years now.
Helping set up a partnership between Paris and Mumbai talents and companies, Film France made sure that Divine Lovers is on the track to be an official Indian-French co-production, and therefore could be eligible for French qualification when its production begins. What this means for the film is that Divine Lovers may receive a mainstream cinema release in France and the rest of Europe, a very rare occurrence. Every bit the great Indian dream, Divine Lovers will be India's answer to French edgy, love stories that the whole world watches. Bringing together two versatile talents, Divine Lovers is a love story drama set in the heartland of India that deals with the lives of the lower middle-class. Talking about the film, director Sai Kabir says, "Divine Lovers will be a collaboration of French and Indian producers coming together for a project. The film will also star French technicians. It's an attempt at making an authentic Indian film with French technical and philosophical support. I really admire their passion for cinema". Frank Priot, DGA Film France, says, "It is exciting for us at Film France to have young talents like Kabir Sai, from the new generation of Indian directors, willing to work with France and French talents in order to have their movies reaching out to wider audiences outside of India. And his impressive knowledge of French cinema for sure will help him find common grounds and references with us. With its reality-grounded style, Divine Lovers has a potential appeal to European audiences, even if they don't know the Bollywood conventions". The film will be produced by Shailesh R Singh with Irrfan Khan. Shailesh Singh has previously produced many acclaimed films like Tanu Weds Manu, Dil Kabaddi and Shahid, to name a few. He is excited to collaborate with his French partner, Léonard Glowinski (co-producer), who is a successful film producer.
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When adventure beckons
Katrina Kaif plays the character of Harleen, a bank receptionist, who is taken on a whirlwind time of her life in Bang Bang. Siddharth Anand's Bang Bang will see Katrina Kaif in every possible avatar. From a girl-next-door to a super sexy girl, romancing her co-star Hrithik Roshan to an action girl pulling off some incredible stunts on her own.
Director Siddharth Anand says, "Bang Bang is without doubt Katrina's best role till date! The entire film is the journey of Harleen, the character she is playing. It's so refreshing to see Katrina play a part like that. Katrina and me had been talking about working together for the past six years and finally that took form in Bang Bang." He adds, "It's very rare in an action film to have equal parts of the hero and heroine. In that aspect, Bang Bang stands apart. So, it was equally important to cast someone who stands tall with Hrithik Roshan. And we found the perfect fit in Katrina!" Talking about her character, Katrina Kaif says, "Harleen is a simple girl living her simple life before she gets completely embroiled in Rajveer's (Hrithik's) life and ends up becoming the exact opposite of what she was! Harleen's journey is very exciting and I hope everyone joins us on this rollercoaster fun, action, romance extravaganza!" Produced by Fox Star Studios, Bang Bang releases on October 2.
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Raising a finger
Dharma Productions recently revealed the first official poster of their ambitious next, Ungli, starring Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut, Randeep Hooda and Sanjay Dutt in lead roles. Directed by Rensil D'Silva, the sleek, edgy, vigilante drama also stars Neha Dhupia, Angad Bedi and Neil Bhoopalam.
Talking about the film, director Rensil D'Silva, who has also penned the script and screenplay, says, "Ungli is a story about friendship and it's a very character-driven film. It's about what happens when a gang of friends decide to take justice in their own hands." Producer Karan Johar says, "Ungli is a new territory for us. It is Dharma's first film with Emraan and has a very different plot from the kind of subjects we have explored in the past. Rensil D'Silva has put his heart and soul into this one." Dharma Productions' Ungli is slated to release on November 28, 2014. You can watch the official first look of the motion poster, which is out now, on Dharma's official YouTube channel.
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Art for empowerment
After presenting the National Award-winning film, the docu-drama Gulabi Gang about women empowerment in rural India, Sohum Shah is taking the film one step forward by introducing the Gulabi Gang Art Project.
The project is a nationwide public art initiative by his production company Recyclewala Films in collaboration with The Fearless Collective and Zubaan. It is an open entry for all who are inspired by the film. People can send in posters, paintings, illustrations, or even poetry to lend their support to women's empowerment and their art could be selected to featured on the soon-to-be-released DVD cover of the Gulabi Gang. The collaboration has come together to improve the condition of women in India.
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NEW RELEASES
Director: Sunil Agnihotri Balwinder Singh Famous Ho Gaya is a musical comedy that features two top class singers Mika Singh and Shaan in the lead roles. Brazilian model Gabreila Bertante makes her debut in Bollywood with this movie. The film also stars Anupam Kher, Rajpal Yadav, Asrani and Vindoo Dara Singh. The film has been shot at scenic locations in Diu as well as Gujarat. 3 AM Director: Vishal Mahadkar Starring Anindita Nayar, Ranvijay Singh, Salil Acharya and Kevin Dave in the lead roles, 3 AM is horror film directed by Vishal Mahadkar. It has a spine-chilling plot and is replete with fast-paced sequences. Desi Kattey Director: Anand Kumar Anand Kumar, who earlier directed Delhi Heights and Zila Ghaziabad, is again ready to rock tinsel world with his action drama film Desi Kattey, starring Sunil Shetty, Jay Bhanushali (Hate Story 2 fame), Sasha Agha, Tia Bajpai, Akhil Kapur and Murali Sharma. Desi Kattey is about two friends, their aim in life, dreams and sacrifices. Kailash Kher has come up with melodious compositions in the film. Chaarfutiya Chhokare Director: Manish Harishankar Manish Harishankar, who earlier assisted Raj Kumar Santoshi, makes his debut as a director with Chaarfutiya Chhokre. The film is about an NRI girl who comes to India to start a school in her parents’ native village. Her vision is to help create an educated India. Deliver Us From Evil Producer: Jerry Bruckheimer Director: Scott Derrickson Based on a 2001 non-fiction book Beware The Night by Ralph Sarchie and Lisa Collier cool, Deliver Us From Evil is a keenly awaited Hollywood crime horror film that stars Eric Bana, Edgar Ramirez, Sean Harris, Olivia Munn, Chris Coy and Joel HcHale.
— Dharam Pal
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A different co-star
Animal bond: A still from Bandhan…Saari Umar
Humein Sang Rehna Hai The show explores the unique bond between his on-screen daughter Darpan (played by Ananya Agarwal) and Ganesh, a baby elephant that she accepts as her brother. Aditya says, "It was a different experience altogether to shoot with an animal; it teaches you to be patient as a person. Shooting with a baby elephant has its own charm; one has a lot of fun and there are challenges one faces from time to time. The toughest part is that we need to plan our schedules around Ganesh's whims and moods and swing into action when he's ready." Bandhan…Saari Umar Humein Sang Rehna Hai airs every Monday to Friday 7 pm on Zee TV.
As high as it gets
Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker is venturing into television with his upcoming show Everest, which is about a daughter's determination to gain her father's acceptance by climbing the highest mountain in the world. The director said his love for the medium lured him to sit on the producer's chair and write the show. The Star Plus show has been co-directed by Glenn Baretto and Ankush Mohla. "The main story is about the journey up the Everest — the different camps at various levels, the first frost-bite, the high blood pressure and also the entry into the death zone. We take it for granted that a male will conquer Everest. But through this show I am exploring the girl child issue, equal rights and how determination can help," he said.
Gurinder gets real!
Gurinder Chadha, a British film director of Indian origin, is all set to co-produce Desi Rascals, a reality show for British TV. She says the show will have high drama and could challenge Indian soaps. The show will aim to assimilate British Asians into the mainstream of British society.
Actress Neha Marda, who essays the role of Gehna in Balika Vadhu series, celebrated her birthday with husband Ayushman Agarwal and her close friends from the television industry at Villa 69, Juhu, a Western suburb of Mumbai, recently.
Party time: Ayushman Agarwal and Neha Marda
Helping hands
AXN is all set to premiere its new series called Scorpion. The show, which premiered earlier this week in America, is getting a good response. It is the story of Walter O'Brien and other geniuses, who have come together to help the US government in crisis.
Opening film
The opening film of the Jagran Film Festval's Mumbai edition was The Woods Are Still Green and the lead actor Mikhael Kristof was there to present the film. He also took part if a coffee-table discussion about the same. The movie is anti-war and worth watching for its message and tight script. It's only over 100-minute long which is great for a war film.
Kriti Sanon saw her co-star Tiger Shroff's video which is a tribute to Michael Jackson and she loved it. She called him and congratulated him and even tweeted about the same. The duo is busy but they keep in touch.
Keeping in touch: Kriti Sanon and Tiger Shroff
New twist
Shahid Kapoor says that he and Visha Bhardwaj will begin working on Kaminey 2 soon after the release of Haider and Vishal will begin working on the script too. Also, Dhan Te Nan, the chartbuster, will get a romantic twist. Poster boys
Take a look at the new poster of PK featuring Aamir Khan as a police officer and with Sanjay Dutt in a Rajasthani avatar. There will be more posters at regular intervals till the film
releases. Spreading love
When Priyanka Chopra lent her voice to Disney's Planes 3D, the kids of St. Catherine's Home were among the first to watch it, courtesy Priyanka Chopra who organised a special screening for them given her longstanding equation with the NGO. Now, this time too, she organised a screening for more than 320 kids. They enjoyed the film as well as Priyanka's
company. Anushka has a visitor
Onlookers inform that cricketer Virat Kohli has again become a regular at Anushka Sharma's home in Andheri, Mumbai. And he hasn't stayed over yet. In the past, Anushka has denied being romantically involved with
Kohli.
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ASTRO TURF
ARIES: Try to reduce the amount of cash you spend on groceries. New attractions are likely to be serious. Do not hold back anything from your boss. Sportsmen: focus on exercise and diet.
Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity by being impulsive. Lucky colour: Turquoise.
Magic number: 44.
TAURUS: Check all figures related to jointly held funds. Women: do not go in for idle gossips. Friends will support you. A new project can get the go-ahead and engage your attention single-mindedly.
Tarot message: Keep your eyes on the future. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 28. GEMINI: This is a very hazardous day for speculation. Pace yourself, since your energy levels can be low. Take time out for meditation to disengage from the thoughts that keep churning over the past.
Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Pink.
Magic number: 33. CANCER: Get all of your affairs
in better order. Avoid careless spending. This is not a time for delegating responsibility. Problems will be resolved
without any major effort from your side. Tarot message: Be positive. Lucky
colour: Blue. Magic number: 36. LEO: It is a good day for negotiating contracts. Seek publicity for business plans. Stars favour import and export. You are unlikely to get much chance to relax this evening.
Tarot message: Do not be in the rush to spend extravagantly. Be Lucky colour: Grey.
Magic number: 54. VIRGO: Your card 'The Magician' smiles on health. It is a useful day for discussing longterm plans. A telephone call or a friend gives pleasure in the evening. Your energy levels will be at the peak.
Tarot message: Spend time meeting experienced people. Lucky colour: Crimson.
Magic number: 37.
LIBRA: The 'Queen of Swords' reveals that new love attractions are likely to be serious. Businessmen: spend your spare time in the company of your loved ones. Tarot message: You can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances.
Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 56. SCORPIO: A day of mixed luck. Students: expect extra pocket money. Today's New Moon is in solar ninth house. Any projects connected with study, travel and cultural pursuits will be very satisfying. Tarot message: Don't try to end all the deadlocks at one go.
Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 25. SAGITTARIUS: Businessmen: avoid making any important business move. A new romance is in the offing. Try not to rely on anybody else to help you achieve your goals right now.
Tarot message: Do not let trivial problems haunt you. Lucky colour: Red.
Magic number: 28. CAPRICORN: A relative will behave in a rather unpredictable manner. Set your priorities. Early morning surprises can turn into afternoon achievements. Take a break and forget all worries today.
Tarot message: Capitalise on your strength and do not trust others. Lucky
colour: Green. Magic number: 32. AQUARIUS: Put more effort into completing unfinished work. Your health can be worrying you a little, so it will be wise to see a health professional for the best treatment.
Tarot message: Time will heal all pains and wounds. Lucky colour: Cherry red.
Magic number: 43. PISCES: A sudden improvement in your fortune is indicated. Workmates will be rather aggressive. Emotionally, you will be easily disturbed. This can be a time of sweeping changes.
Tarot message: Lack of persistence can be disastrous. Lucky colour: White.
Magic number: 47.
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His Greek looks helped him bag a role in Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan-starrer Jodha Akbar. Aman Dhaliwal is a known name in Punjabi films, and has now moved to Los Angels, working in a Hollywood film. 
He definitely gained a bigger fan base after his role in the Bollywood film Ek Tha Tiger. The doe-eyed actor, Gavie is one of the few Punjabi actors who have worked in four or five regional films. He is open to new projects, and Hollywood is one place where he really wants to make his mark. 
His songs are full of meaning; Satinder Sartaj has a style of his own. He would never follow the trend and now he is all set for his first international project.
Balwinder Singh Famous Ho Gaya
Aditya Redij, who is currently seen playing the role of a forest ranger on Siddharth Kumar Tewary's new primetime offering Bandhan…Saari Umar Humein Sang Rehna Hai on Zee , is all smiles when he speaks about the first-of-its-kind experience of shooting with an elephant calf.
Birthday girl
Praise worthy